Milwaukee Mayor Barrett calls for wider discussion around arena needs

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett pledged to support efforts to keep the Milwaukee Bucks here — including the possibility of a new arena for the team — but said financing an arena must be discussed in the context of paying for all city services and infrastructure needs.

“I want Milwaukee to be the home of the Milwaukee Bucks for decades to come,” Barrett said Monday morning during his State of the City address. “The team is an important asset to the city, to the region and to the state.”

Over the next few months, the issue of whether to build a new arena will be discussed by civic and business leaders. The Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce plans to convene a task force this spring to study the needs and financing for Milwaukee County cultural, sports and entertainment venues.

Barrett reiterated his position that any funding for a new arena for the Bucks and other tenants would need to come from throughout the metro area.

“I cannot support a city of Milwaukee- or Milwaukee County-only financing plan,” Barrett said. “We need to have a regional plan because the Bradley Center is a regional and state asset just like Miller Park. Just like State Fair Park.”

Miller Park is funded with a five-county sales tax. State Fair Park receives state funding.

As for funding other city services, Milwaukee is too dependent on property taxes, Barrett said.

“If we’re going to take the time to have a serious dialogue about a new sports and entertainment complex, we must also address how we’re going to fund cops on the streets, firefighters, essential health services and the infrastructure we all depend on,” Barrett said.

Barrett said he will ask local businesses, foundations, universities and the state to work with city officials “to come up with a plan that will ultimately provide a pathway to long-term financial stability.”